A native of Japan, Kuniko Yamamoto received her Bachelor of Psychology from Otani University of Kyoto, Japan in 1983. Started performing professionally in her hometown of Osaka where she grew up studying traditional dance, music and theater. She has received national exposure performing Japanese Storytelling at the Silk Road International Exposition and on Kansai National TV in 1985. The following year Kuniko traveled to the United States to study with
Tony Montanaro, highly respected mime and actor. Then three years after began touring with
Leland Faulkner Light Theater where she helped present lavish stage illusions and brought ancient tales to life with shadows and magic. For the next five years she has performed constantly in theaters, schools, colleges, and festivals across the country.
In 1992, Kuniko left the Faulkner Light Theater troupe to move to Florida. Married to Jon LeClair, a world-renowned magician whose books appear in magic shops worldwide has been helping her add subtle magic and mystery to her very special act.
In such venues as;
The Kennedy Center (Washington DC)
Disney Epcot Japanese Pavilion
Seattle’s International Children's Festival/ Giant Magnet
International Children’s Festival in Canada
National Storytelling Festival
LA Music Center /Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County
In the last two decades she has been presenting her programs throughout the United States, also recognized by the Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina of Arts Council since 2000.
